Another change is quietly unfolding at Disney Springs, the shopping and dining district that anchors Walt Disney World Resort’s retail offerings. Reimagined from Downtown Disney into a more upscale destination, the area has seen constant turnover alongside its expansion.
Now, another retailer is preparing to exit.
Francesca’s Joins a Growing List of Closures
The Francesca’s location at Disney Springs is expected to close as part of a nationwide shutdown affecting all of the company’s stores. The women’s clothing and accessories chain operates 466 locations across the United States.
The company has begun liquidating its remaining assets, both in-store and online. Clearance sales are underway as Francesca’s works through its final inventory, signaling a full wind-down of operations.
The Disney Springs storefront is among the locations impacted by the company-wide closure. Guests visiting the district may notice discounted merchandise as the retailer prepares to shut its doors.
No specific closing date has been announced for the Disney Springs location. Disney has not confirmed when the space will officially close or what, if anything, will replace it.
The departure adds Francesca’s to a growing list of retailers that have quietly exited Disney Springs in recent years, reinforcing how vulnerable traditional apparel brands have become, even in high-traffic tourist destinations.
Ongoing Changes at Disney Springs
Retail turnover is not new at Disney Springs. Some of its most visible changes have come from entertainment and dining exits rather than stores. DisneyQuest, once a defining attraction, closed in 2017 after nearly two decades.
Its replacement, the NBA Experience, struggled to gain traction and quickly closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s now set to be replaced by Level99, an immersive social gaming and entertainment venue featuring over 60 physical and mental challenges.
More recently, Sprinkles abruptly shuttered its Disney Springs location. The closure was announced overnight, with employees reportedly given no warning, underscoring the unpredictability of the district’s retail landscape.
Despite those exits, Disney Springs continues to attract new concepts. This week, it unveiled Six Ravens, a restaurant from the owners of the uber-popular Gideon’s Bakehouse. The venue has been described as a “fast casual celebration of savory.”
Six Ravens will focus on hand-pie sandwiches called Coffyns, alongside housemade yeast rolls filled with ingredients that support local businesses, according to reporting by the Orlando Sentinel.
The contrast is notable. As apparel retailers struggle, food-driven concepts continue to expand, reflecting Disney Springs’ growing emphasis on dining as its primary draw.
Disney has not commented on Francesca’s closure or future plans for the space. Historically, vacancies in Disney Springs are rarely left unfilled for long.
